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A weekly newsletter - December 4, 2020
Message from Ameka Hunt, PHS Principal
Greetings Panthers,
I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving. Winter break is around the corner, but let’s continue encouraging our students to finish this semester strong.
Here’s what you need to know about the reminder of this semester. We will end this semester with midterm exams. I have included the midterm schedule in this newsletter for your review.
The next deadline for parents/guardians to update or change their child's method of instruction is also approaching. If you wish to change your child’s method of instruction from virtual to in person learning or vice versa for the third nine weeks of school, please contact your child’s counselor by December 9th. The change will become effective January 6th.
2020 PHS Mid-term Exam Schedule
Student Mode of Instruction Changes for 2nd Semester - Virtual or In-person Learning
Per PfISD guidelines, families can select a change from their student's current mode of instruction at the semester. Students can move to either full time Virtual Learning or full time In-Person Learning. Parents must request this change through their student's counselor before the deadline of December 9th. If the student is not needing a change, the parents do not need to contact the counselor; the student will continue with their current mode of instruction.
PHS Counselors are split by last name alpha.
A-D: Christina.Powell@pfisd.net
E-J: Lindsay.SaylorCarroll@pfisd.net
K-O: Mathew.Doeckel@pfisd.net (current sub for Mrs. Johnson)
Automated Absence Calls
Parents,
Our School Messenger system sends out a recorded message when your student has been absent for one or more classes. Please note that the calls are referring to absences that occurred the previous school day. If you have questions about absences, please communicate directly with the teacher that marked the absence for the class.
Also, we have found that a lot of parents are NOT receiving the absence calls from the system because they have the School messenger number blocked on their phone. Parents, please check your phone because you may have blocked the number accidently. The number the school messenger calls from is 1-877-605-1586.
Graduation supplies
Attention Senior Class of 2021 and Parents:
Are you ready to start thinking about graduation! Now is the time to order you graduation announcements, thank you cards, caps, gowns and all things graduation!
Herff Jones will be on campus to take graduation supply orders on Tuesday, December 8th from 10 am to 4 pm. Orders will be taken outside in the courtyard between the large gym and the cafeteria. Parents and students that come to campus to place orders are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. You can also place your orders online by visiting www.highschool.herffjones.com
All in-person students will have order packets delivered to their English IV classes. If you are virtual, please come by any time and pick up an order packet from the bin located at the front door. This will be the only day that Herff Jones will be on campus to take orders so be sure to mark your calendar!
College and Career Center Information - Graduation Requirements
Financial Aid – The FAFSA or TASFA application due date has been extended to December 11th, 2020. This is a graduation requirement for all students, regardless of plans after high school. Please make sure to visit http://www.fafsa.gov as soon as possible to complete this. If you need assistance, email Mr. Howell at Nicholas.howell@pfisd.net
Nick Howell
College and Career Advisor
Pflugerville High School
(512) 763-2415
RM #: A-103
PHS CEEB Code: 445-500
Parents: Please indicate your preference on our 2021-22 Instructional Calendar Survey
Please use this link to review the draft 2021-2022 calendars and select the calendar you prefer. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRAFTCAL2122
The survey will close on December 11. Thank you for your input!
Yes-students can check out books!
While students are busy now, they will want books to read over the winter break.
- eBooks and audiobooks are available via both the SORA app and the PHS online library catalog (both on clever)
- Physical books can be put on “hold” on the PHS online Library catalog. On-campus students’ books are delivered to classroom. Virtual students’ books are at Front Office for pick-up.
See below for the QR code to place a hold on a book or download an eBook/audiobook.
Lauralee Owen
PHS Librarian, DLL
Office: 512-594-0571
Google Voice: 512-827-7945
From our Department Chairs
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! For Social Studies students that means that finals (if in Government, AP Gov and Politics, Economics, or Psychology) or mid-terms( World Geography, AP Human Geography, World History, World History AP, US History, AP US History, AP Psychology)! As we get ready to finish the semester please check Skyward with an eye for missing assignments. Zero’s are devasting to your average. Now is the time to finish strong!
The virtual world of school has been a challenge this semester for sure, but now that we have been at it for a while it’s time to clean up our grades. Please reach out to your teachers with any questions. Just as a piece of advice- be specific in your questions. “How do I bring up my grade?” is not near as good a question as “Can I still retake the 5th test?”
As our COVID numbers rise please take care of yourself and others around you by limiting your interaction with others, wearing a mask, and washing your hands.
Karen Hense
Social Studies Dept. Chair
Dear ELA Parents,
Happy December from the English Department. We hope you are finishing the 2nd nine weeks with great success.
Winter Break is a great time for students and their families to rest and relax with a good book. Great news! The PHS library has students covered. Simply go to ebooks.docx and check out an ebook or audiobook. Rather have a book in hand? Then go to Pfhslibrary - Curbside Pick-up to reserve your book and curbside pick-up. Students can check out up to 5 books at a time, and the PHS library has something for everyone.
Educational Benefits from Reading for Pleasure:
In 2012, the Education Standards Research Team (ESARD) in the UK, compiled the Research evidence on reading for pleasure report. It found that reading for pleasure had educational benefits, supported personal development and had a positive impact on reading including:
reading attainment and writing ability
text comprehension and grammar
breadth of vocabulary
positive reading attitudes
self-confidence as a reader
pleasure in reading in later life.
The Research evidence on reading for pleasure report also identified benefits in:
general knowledge
understanding of other cultures
community participation
insight into human nature and decision-making.
Research evidence on reading for pleasure (pdf, 364KB) — UK Department of Education, Education Standards Research Team, 2012.
Free ebook from the State of Texas: Access to the e-book of Butterfly Yellow will be available to all Texas residents from November 16, 2020, through January 16, 2021.
ELA Scholarship information: Letters about Literature contest Due: DEC. 17, 5pm
Open to all grade levels; $100 prize
Write to an author about a book that changed or inspired your life. To learn more visit www.tsl.texas.gov/lettersaboutliterature.
REMINDER: For the ELA department, Zoom meetings are NOT optional and should be attended each class period unless otherwise communicated to the teacher. As we continue our hybrid model of teaching (some students virtual and some students in-person) students will have an asynchronous time in class and a synchronous time in class in the form of Zoom.
Together in Education,
Lisa Wernli
PHS English Department Chair
6 RESTORATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN AND AROUND AUSTIN
Could you use some downtime to get out of your head and relax? Or, maybe you’re celebrating the season solo? Either way, these ideas are sure to restore and rejuvenate.
https://integralcare.org/en/6-ways-to-celebrate-the-season-in-austin/
Ana Bowie, LMSW
Campus Social Worker
Virtual grief support group
Yearbook
2021 Yearbooks are for sale at www.jostensyearbooks.com. This is a year that is like none that have ever come before. The yearbook staff is hard at work collecting all the photos and stories from this school year. Be sure to order your book now before the price goes up!
Thanks!
Brook Hampton
Pflugerville High School
Yearbook, Photojournalism
New Technology Help Desk Available
In an effort to provide more timely and direct Technology services to parents and students, PfISD Technology is launching a new Technology Help Desk system called "GetHelp." Students (or parents on behalf of their students) will enter requests for support in GetHelp and communicate directly with PfISD Technology team members. Requests should be entered using the student's email address associated with their District Google Account. Communication from technology team members will be sent to the student email address, so it will be necessary to regularly check the student email account for request responses or updates.
Parents have the option of entering their phone number in the cell/extension# field located in the GetHelp ticket if they would like the Technology team to contact them, or simply enter '0'.
Students Submit a Technology Ticket:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aB8mqDjE44PblJrTsUu1F6hNX7Tzveyd/view
Stay Safe and Be Healthy
PHS parents – please remind your students to keep a 6ft distance from other people, especially during passing times in the hallway, and to wear their masks correctly (it should cover the nose also).
Thank you,
Nurse Donna and Nurse Iliana
Canvas Updates for PfISD Parents/Guardians
Many of our teachers have begun using Canvas as the primary way for students to receive virtual instruction. Some teachers may continue to link from Canvas to Google Classroom for specific assignments until January. Students will log in to Canvas directly using Clever (Clever Support) or by going to pfisd.instructure.com and logging in with PfISD Google Account.
We want to remind you all about our Canvas training course that can help you learn more about how you, as a parent, can observe your student's classwork and how students will access their assignments in Canvas. To access the training courses for parents and students, please read the Instructions for Parents and Instructions for Students linked below in English and Spanish.
Canvas Training Course Instructions for Parents: English | Spanish
Canvas Training Course Instructions for Students: English | Spanish
Parents and Guardians will need to have an account and be an observer to log in and access the training course. Instructions on how to create your parent observer account in Canvas are linked below. These instructions can also be found on the Pflugerville ISD Return to Learn page. Or parents can click to watch this video to set up a Canvas account to observe their students.
How-To Set Up Parent Canvas Account: English | Spanish
If you have any questions or problems with setting up your Canvas account, please utilize our Let's Talk system (www.pfisd.net/letstalk) and click on the Canvas button.
Student announcements
Daily student announcements can be read by clicking the link below or by going to the PHS website and clicking on the PHS Daily Announcements under the School News tab.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zOLLlKrVAANErGO7-MCggUK_aTrtKfAxE5hbCZbv144/edit?usp=sharing
Terapia Virtual Gratuita para Sobrevivientes de Crímenes
Austin Child Guidance Center tiene citas disponibles para terapia virtual gratuita para familias de habla hispana. Vea el volante abajo para más información.
PHS Weekly Newsletter
Did you miss previous PHS Weekly Newsletters? Click on the link below to view past issues.
Stay Connected to PHS With our App
Don't miss any important information from PHS. The School Info App for Pflugerville High School is a great way to stay connected and informed. Notifications are sent in real time for ever-changing situations. Be in the know—download the app today!
Click on this link: http://siap.ps/eaedd6, or search for Pflugerville High School in the app store. Be sure to allow notifications so you get all the notifications and news feeds to keep current with what’s happening at PHS.
Parents - Here's Where to Find Report Cards and IPRs
Parents, your students' Report Cards and IPRs are available for viewing in the Skyward Parent Portal. When you click on the “Porfolio” folder for the student, you will see a list of files you can download (and print if needed).
If you need help logging into the parent portal, please see below for a tutorial.
Parent Portal Access in Skyward
Parents,
We encourage you to connect to our Parent Portal to stay up to date on your student's attendance, grades, assignments, and more in Skyward. Please click here to watch a video tutorial on how to access it.
If you'd rather see the presentation in slides, click here.
Parents and students, please take a moment and check attendance in Skyward. The attendance icon is available!
If your student was absent from class, please know that parents, guardians and medical offices can email excuse notes to cathy.martinez@pfisd.net or fax to 512-594-0505. Please be sure to include the student name and ID in the email/fax.
Transcripts for Seniors Available for Viewing
If you need help logging into the parent portal, please see below for a tutorial.
From our Counseling Staff
Connect with your Counselor - What to know how to contact a counselor or our social worker? What to know how to set up a meeting or what resources are available to support your student, check out our short video to walk you through how to connect with us: https://www.loom.com/share/a76d977d757c4fe4be4f92a5005de7f4
Sarah Cable
Counselor for student last names P-R
PHS Lead Counselor 512-594-0526
Counseling Team
Please know that we are there to support you academically and emotionally. If you are needing support from your counselor please feel free to email or call.
Counselors by alpha split:
A-D: Christina.Powell@pfisd.net / 512-594-0533
E-J: Lindsay.SaylorCarroll@pfisd.net / 512-594-0575
K-O: Mathew.Doeckel@pfisd.net / 512-594-0529 (current sub for Mrs. Johnson on maternity leave)
P-R: Sarah.Cable@pfisd.net / 512-594-0526
S-Z: Geminesse.Scott@pfisd.net / 512-594-0530
Social Worker: Ana.Bowie@pfisd.net / 512-594-0539
College & Career: Nicholas.Howell@pfisd.net / 512-594-0527
PHS Administrators
Please be assured that our leadership team will continue to support the student body of PHS. Please contact your administrator with any questions or concerns you may have. Assistant principals will support students based on their last name. See the information below for details.
PHS Administrative Team:
Ameka Hunt - Principal
Dr. Emily Delgado-Associate Principal
Dr. Sara Butler-Intervention & Testing Principal
Argie Flores- Principal (A-E)
Sara Dardeau- Principal (F - Lon)
Crystal Keck – Principal (Loo - Riv)
Christopher Riley - Principal (Ro - Z)
Please remember to do your Health Screening AT HOME before arriving on campus
Please see the checklist below indicating what COVID-19 symptoms to screen your student for, and what to do if they are positive for symptoms.
Donna Bartko, RN
Pflugerville High School
Parking Permit Applications
In order to ensure the safety of our campus, we have started the Parking Permit Application Process. For all students who plan to drive to the PHS campus for school, please visit the link below to begin the process of purchasing a permit.
Chromebook laptop distribution
Chromebooks are still available. Please click here for information.
Student Sign out procedures
Parents, as a result of the limited access to our campus, please be aware of the current office procedures when you arrive to sign your PHS student out early:
1) Parents/Guardians/Emergency Contacts should approach the PHS Front Doors and call the front office (512-594-0500).
2) Please let the receptionist know you are standing at the Front Doors and are needing to sign out your student
3) The staff will look up your student's record. Please have your photo ID ready to show them at the door.
4) Once your ID has been checked, a staff member will be called to escort your student down to the front office, where they will sign out. Please build in lead time when picking up your student as availability and proximity of staff available to escort students varies throughout the day.
5) As a reminder, students may not be signed out after 4 pm.
Reminder - Bell Schedules
Bell Schedule
Please see below for a chart of bell schedules.
Google Classroom
Both in-person and virtual learners will continue utilizing digital learning platforms to engage in learning throughout the year. Maintaining continuity in the digital learning world will help to ensure the students' learning experiences continue with as few transitions as possible as we navigate learning through this COVID-19 pandemic.
Tips to Successfully Navigate Virtual Learning at PHS
Tips to Successfully Navigate Virtual Learning at PHS
Attendance will be taken daily. It is imperative students complete assignments everyday each period in order to be marked present. Remote learning sessions will include synchronous sessions (Two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teacher and students), and asynchronous sessions (Instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time). All students will need to log into their teacher’s Google Classroom or Canvas via the PHS website at the appropriate times to engage in synchronous sessions. Students have until 11:59 PM every day to submit asynchronous assignments.
Please note that Pflugerville ISD has provided a webpage with information on virtual learning and on-campus learning. Please click here to learn more.
¿Necesita ayuda en español?
Teléfono: 512-594-0583 (deje un mensaje de voz si no contesta)
Correo electrónco: Kristen.Hernandez@pfisd.net
Ella le brindará la ayuda que usted necesita.
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